New Testament
Matthew 16:28
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I tell you the truth: some of you standing here right now will not taste death before you see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom."
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Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.
What Matthew 16:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples and making a profound statement about the coming of his kingdom. He assures them that some of those present will not die before they witness a significant event related to his glory and authority. This can be interpreted in various ways, including the Transfiguration, where Peter, James, and John saw Jesus in his divine form, or the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, which demonstrated his kingship. The phrase 'Son of Man' refers to Jesus himself, emphasizing his role as the Messiah. This statement serves to encourage the disciples, reminding them that the kingdom of God is near and that they will experience its reality in their lifetime. It highlights the urgency and importance of their mission as followers of Christ, as they are part of a transformative moment in history that will change the course of humanity.
How to apply Matthew 16:28 to your life
This verse encourages believers to live with the expectation of God's kingdom being present and active in their lives. It reminds us to be aware of the spiritual realities around us and to engage in our faith actively, knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Foretells His Death (Matthew 16:21–28)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 16:28 mean?
Matthew 16:28 means that Jesus is telling his disciples that some of them will live to see significant events related to his kingdom, highlighting the immediacy of God's work through him.
What is the significance of 'Son of Man' in Matthew 16:28?
The term 'Son of Man' in Matthew 16:28 refers to Jesus himself, emphasizing his role as the Messiah and his authority to establish God's kingdom.
What event might Matthew 16:28 be referring to?
Matthew 16:28 could refer to several events, such as the Transfiguration, where some disciples witnessed Jesus in his divine glory, or his resurrection and ascension, which affirmed his kingship.
How does Matthew 16:28 relate to discipleship?
Matthew 16:28 relates to discipleship by encouraging followers of Jesus to recognize the urgency of their mission and the reality of God's kingdom being present in their lives.
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